U.S. Citizenship by Birth

Summary

Most people born in the United States are U.S. citizens from birth. The main exception is narrow: the birth must be in the United States and subject to U.S. jurisdiction, which can exclude children of certain accredited foreign diplomatic officers.

Eligibility

You may already be a U.S. citizen if:

• You were born in the United States, or in a U.S. territory where birth generally gives citizenship under U.S. law.
• Your birth was subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
• You are not covered by a narrow diplomatic or similar exception.

For most regular births in the United States, a U.S. birth certificate is the starting document for proving citizenship.

What This Route Allows

U.S. citizenship gives the right to live and work in the United States, use a U.S. passport, vote in U.S. elections if otherwise eligible, and receive U.S. consular protection abroad.

What This Route Is Not

This is not a visa or naturalization route. If you were a U.S. citizen at birth, the practical issue is usually proving citizenship, not applying to become a citizen.

Next Steps

1. Locate your U.S. birth certificate or request a certified copy from the state or territory where you were born.
2. If one of your parents was an accredited foreign diplomatic officer at the time of birth, get legal advice before assuming citizenship.
3. Use the birth certificate to explore U.S. passport documentation or other proof-of-citizenship steps.

Sources

• DHS — Become a Citizen
• USCIS — Citizenship Resource Center
• USCIS Policy Manual — U.S. Citizens at Birth
• USCIS — Green Card for a Person Born in the United States to a Foreign Diplomat
• U.S. Department of State — Citizenship Evidence for a Passport